P-Tyr42 RhoA GTPase amplifies superoxide formation through p47phox, phosphorylated by ROCK
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Authors: Cap, Kim Cuong; Kim, Jae-Gyu; Hamza, Amir; Park, Jae-Bong
Abstract
Optimal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in cellular physiological function. For production of intracellular superoxide, NADPH oxidase is one of the sources. Rac1/2 and RhoA GTPases are involved in regulation of NADPH oxidase activity and Tyr42 phosphorylation of RhoA (p-Tyr42 RhoA) seems significant in this regard as it was recently shown that hydrogen peroxide was able to increase p-Tyr42 RhoA levels. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a tumor promoter, also induces production of superoxides; PMA activates Src, a tyrosine kinase, and increases p-Tyr42 RhoA levels. In exploring the mechanism of PMA effects, we reduced RhoA levels in test cells with si-RhoA and then restoration of various versions of RhoA for effect in response of the cells to PMA and producing superoxides. Restoration of RhoA Y42F (a dephospho-mimic form) still had reduced superoxide formation in response to PMA, compared with WT and Y42E RhoA. This was similarly seen with assays for cell migration and proliferation with cells responding to PMA. Y27632, a ROCK (Rho associated coiled coil kinase) inhibitor, also inhibited superoxide production, and also reduced p-Y416 Src and p-p47phox levels. A ROCK active fragment was also able to phosphorylate p47phox at Ser345 residue (p-Ser345 p47phox), a component of NADPH oxidase. Overall, we demonstrate that p-Tyr42 RhoA levels increase following PMA treatment and this is through production of superoxide and activation of Src. These in turn amplify superoxide production through ROCK phophorylation of p47phox and maintain a positive feedback loop for superoxide generation, and contribute to tumor progression. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Association between thiopurine exposure and depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Authors: Sutton, S. Scott; Magagnoli, Joseph; Cummings, Tammy; Hardin, James W.; Love, Bryan L.
Abstract
Background: Ras-related C3 botulinum substrate 1 (Rac1) is a member of the small molecule family Rho guanosine triphosphate (GTP)ases. Recent findings reveal epigenetic downregulation of Rac1 is a mechanism of depression. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Rac1 as a therapeutic target for depression we examine the association between thiopurines, which inhibit Rac1, and the risk of depression among US veterans. Methods: This study uses data spanning January 2000-May 2019, comparing thiopurine exposure (no exposure, less than one year, 1-2.9 years, 3-5 years, and greater than five years) in two separate cohorts, a rheumatoid arthritis cohort and inflammatory bowel disease cohort. We estimate the hazard of depression using a time dependent cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 76,763 rheumatoid arthritis and 46,787 inflammatory bowel disease patients met all inclusion criteria. Patients exposed to thiopurines less than one year have a 27% (hazard ratio=1.272; 95% confidence interval=(1.038-1.559)) and 67% (hazard ratio=1.667 95% confidence interval=(1.501-1.850)) higher risk of depression in the rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease cohorts, respectively. In the inflammatory bowel disease cohort, we find the risk of depression is increased for up to five years of thiopurine exposure. Conclusion: These results provide evidence that Rac1 regulation is a viable therapeutic target for depression. Further research into therapeutics targeting Rac1 for the treatment of depression is warranted.